As summer comes to an end, we are preparing for and looking forward to welcoming new and returning students to campus in the next few weeks. In July, I joined the University of Washington community as the vice president for Student Life. I am thrilled to be supporting a campus environment as diverse, active and innovative as the UW and, through partnerships throughout the Division of Student Life and the university, to ensuring that students have a rich and rewarding experience.

This is the first edition of a quarterly e-newsletter
from Parent and Family Programs, a new university-wide initiative that Student
Life is proud to host. Student Life at the UW serves as a hub for a variety of programs, services, facilities and operations that are all designed to enrich the Husky student experience. The 14 units that comprise the division are diverse, yet they all share one common goal: to support the success of our students, during their time at the UW and continuing after graduation, through the rest of their lives.

Among the critical elements for student success are the development and maintenance of healthy habits. As health promotion continues to be a priority for our campus, I’d like to share with you some of the ways we are addressing the issues of student health and wellness. I hope that you will share this important information with your new college students, so that they come to campus with an awareness of the health resources available to them. Read more...

Health Services for All Students

Now that your student is enrolled at the University of Washington, we want to share some key information with you about the on-campus health and wellness services available to students. At the UW, we are committed to keeping students healthy so that they can succeed academically and make the most of their college experience.

Hall Health Center is the student health service outpatient clinic on UW’s Seattle campus, where all registered students are eligible for medical care. Hall Health offers many free services, including one office visit per quarter for medical concerns, covered under the student Services and Activities Fee. This free appointment excludes comprehensive physicals, as well as specialty visits and procedures. For a detailed description of prepaid services available to currently enrolled UW students, please visit: hallhealth.washington.edu. Read more...

Parent Orientation Highlights

On Thursday and Friday, September 19 and 20, 5,600 eager students will arrive at the University of Washington to begin the annual residence hall move-in. Many of our first-year students and their families are returning to campus after already visiting for First Year Programs orientation this summer. Nearly 4,000 parents and families were here during June, July and August to learn more about the various resources available to UW students.

One of these resources, Parent and Family Programs, is a new campus-wide initiative housed in the Division of Student Life. Read More...

Diversity Course Requirement Approved

A long-time student-led effort to pass a diversity course requirement for all University of Washington undergraduates came to fruition May 24. The proposed legislation, supported by UW President Michael K. Young, was approved by the Faculty Senate on April 25. A Class “B” Bulletin outlining the requirement was then distributed to faculty at all three campuses for a vote. Only 23 of a required 213 objections needed to amend or overturn the legislation were received by the May 24 deadline, making it effective immediately. Read More...

Student Perspective: Courtney, Class of '15

Easing into campus life

Since coming to the University of Washington, I have made it a goal to learn as much as I possibly could, both in my classes and through other opportunities the university offers. Growing up in Bellingham, WA, I didn’t have to put forth too much effort to be surrounded by people and activities.

The ease and comfort of this safety cushion was probably what I struggled with the most when first starting college. I missed the reliability of a community of family and friends. Once I realized that it was up to me to seek out whom and what I wanted to get involved with, I took strides in the right direction. Read More...

Dawg Dash and Husky Pups Run

Get ready for Dawg Dash 2013! This popular 5K run/walk or 10K run starts on Memorial Way, winds through the scenic UW campus and finishes in Red Square. The whole family (Fido included) is invited to this long-running UW tradition, which raises money for student scholarship programs. Relax afterwards at the Post-Dash Bash with beverages, food and awards. During the Bash, kids 10 and younger can join Harry the Husky for the ever-popular Husky Pups Run.

When: Sunday, October 20, 2013. Pre-race instructions will be announced at 8:50 a.m. at the start line.

Health & Wellness109 Elm Hall - (206) 543-6085The place to go when you don't know where to go for help in difficult situations, when multiple services are needed to provide a safe and supportive response.

Student Life will be hosting two focus
groups, in February and May 2014, for parents and families who are interested
in participating in the development of the Parent and Family Programs initiative.
If you would like to become a volunteer, have ideas for events or are looking
for a way to expand your connection to the University of Washington and network
with fellow Husky families, please consider joining us.